About Dr. Gifford ....
Hi, I'm Carol Gifford. Veterinary medicine is my passion. I graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. In 2006, I fulfilled a long-standing aspiration by taking the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) course to learn veterinary acupuncture. My Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) followed in 2007.
After learning acupuncture, I realized that knowing and performing acupuncture makes me a much better doctor. The patients that come to me often have complex issues. Owners bring their pets to see me, often with their veterinarian's referral, after diagnostics yielded no answers or after conventional medicine had nothing else to offer. Sometimes I see patients whose owners know something just "isn't right" even though their pet may not be overtly ill. Since Western medicine focuses on "curing" a problem, these owners seek alternative options that bring their pet to optimal wellness.
I earned my Certification in Veterinary Chinese Herbology (CVCH) in 2012 through the Chi Institute. In 2016, I completed a veterinary chiropractic course at Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Wisconsin and became certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy aka chiropractic. It was yet another eye-opener! Since adding herbs and chiropractic to my repertoire, I have been able help even more pets down the road to wellness.
In my never-ending pursuit of improving my ability to help my patients, I am learning veterinary herbology from a "western" perspective. It's been another exciting challenge and I've been happy to make individualized herbal formulas for specific patients.
When I started my Complementary Care House Call practice in 2013, I realized it was the dream I didn't even know I had. Seeing patients in their home helps tremendously to understand them and keep them in their usual frame of mind. It also keeps me centered and focused on my patients more than ever. I continue to be amazed by my patients and clients! In 2017, my family relocated from Boston, MA to Columbus, OH where I have rebuilt my beloved practice.
Other things you may be interested in.... I was a teaching assistant at the IVAS course in 2012-2013 and learned so much...also learned there is so much more to learn! In 2014, I became one of only 19 veterinarians world-wide to obtain Fellowship to the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (FAAVA). An active member of the AAVA, I am the Secretary/Treasurer. As I delve deeper into my studies of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, chiropractic, and other holistic modalities, my appreciation for all that is unknown becomes stronger. I invite you on the journey with me.
Member of:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) President 2019-2020
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) Treasurer 2021-present
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) Board Member 2018-2024
After learning acupuncture, I realized that knowing and performing acupuncture makes me a much better doctor. The patients that come to me often have complex issues. Owners bring their pets to see me, often with their veterinarian's referral, after diagnostics yielded no answers or after conventional medicine had nothing else to offer. Sometimes I see patients whose owners know something just "isn't right" even though their pet may not be overtly ill. Since Western medicine focuses on "curing" a problem, these owners seek alternative options that bring their pet to optimal wellness.
I earned my Certification in Veterinary Chinese Herbology (CVCH) in 2012 through the Chi Institute. In 2016, I completed a veterinary chiropractic course at Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Wisconsin and became certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy aka chiropractic. It was yet another eye-opener! Since adding herbs and chiropractic to my repertoire, I have been able help even more pets down the road to wellness.
In my never-ending pursuit of improving my ability to help my patients, I am learning veterinary herbology from a "western" perspective. It's been another exciting challenge and I've been happy to make individualized herbal formulas for specific patients.
When I started my Complementary Care House Call practice in 2013, I realized it was the dream I didn't even know I had. Seeing patients in their home helps tremendously to understand them and keep them in their usual frame of mind. It also keeps me centered and focused on my patients more than ever. I continue to be amazed by my patients and clients! In 2017, my family relocated from Boston, MA to Columbus, OH where I have rebuilt my beloved practice.
Other things you may be interested in.... I was a teaching assistant at the IVAS course in 2012-2013 and learned so much...also learned there is so much more to learn! In 2014, I became one of only 19 veterinarians world-wide to obtain Fellowship to the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (FAAVA). An active member of the AAVA, I am the Secretary/Treasurer. As I delve deeper into my studies of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, chiropractic, and other holistic modalities, my appreciation for all that is unknown becomes stronger. I invite you on the journey with me.
Member of:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) President 2019-2020
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) Treasurer 2021-present
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) Board Member 2018-2024
The WWVC support staff
Boo (Samoyed) and Zeph (Chinook)